Matsue stands out as a Japan’s charming castle town with its beautifully preserved historical sites, scenic waterways, and cultural richness. What makes this city especially appealing for tours is its blend of authentic tradition and accessible natural landscapes. A highlight for many visitors is slipping into a kimono and wandering through the streets, which truly immerses you in the town’s historic atmosphere. We love the Private Kimono Elegant Experience because it combines traditional dress-up with photo-worthy moments, making it perfect for capturing memorable images (link).
Another popular option is exploring Matsue’s waterways on a mild boat cruise around the Horikawa River, which offers a relaxing way to observe the town and its natural surroundings. This Tour around Matsue Horikawa is a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with the gentle experience of being on the water. For those interested in a more comprehensive, personalized visit, a full-day private trip to Matsue and Izumo includes key sites such as Matsue Castle and Izumo Taisha Shrine (link). This list aims to help you find the best fit for your interests, time, and travel style.
1. Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue
At number 1, this kimono experience lets you wear traditional attire while exploring the streets of Matsue. For just around $39.40 per person, you get approximately three hours of dressing up, styling your hair, and snapping photos in a setting that feels like stepping back into Edo-era Japan. The experience is designed to make you feel like royalty — the staff is praised for their friendly help and attention to detail, ensuring everyone feels special. Wearing a kimono isn’t just about the looks; it’s about feeling connected to Matsue’s past.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on personalized service and photo opportunities. Whether you’re visiting Matsue Castle or strolling along the riverbanks, dressing in a kimono transforms the experience into a memorable moment. The reviews reflect this, with visitors describing it as “feeling like princesses” after being styled by friendly staff. This is ideal for travelers who want to add a touch of elegance and fun to their trip with a flexible, relaxed experience.
Bottom Line: For a small investment, this experience offers a chance to learn about local culture and take fantastic photos. It’s perfect for those who love dressing up or want a unique souvenir from their trip.
2. Tour around Matsue Horikawa
Number 2 on our list is the scenic boat cruise along the Matsue Horikawa River, which takes about 50 minutes. You can hop on and off at three different piers with a one-day boarding pass, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace. It’s a relaxing way to see the town’s seasonal trees, flowers, and waterway wildlife. As you glide past historic bridges and the remains of the original castle moat, you’ll get a sense of Matsue’s past and present.
The boat’s narration, available in English, helps bring the sights to life — from the native birds and fish to the sea creatures that can occasionally be spotted. The course includes 17 bridges, some low enough that you’ll need to lower the roof of the boat, adding a little fun to the ride. Many visitors appreciate how this tour combines scenic beauty with cultural insights.
This tour is well-loved, earning a 4.5/5 rating. Reviewers mention it’s an “excellent way to break up exploring” and highlight how the boat is fun for all ages, especially if you’re eager to see Matsue from a different angle.
Bottom Line: This boat tour offers a mellow, informative experience that complements walking explorations. It’s great for travelers wanting a peaceful, scenic adventure with flexibility.
3. Matsue/Izumo Taisha Shrine Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Number 3 is a full-day private tour that customizes your visit to Matsue and Izumo. For around $206, you’ll have a dedicated guide who can tailor the day to your interests, including options like Matsue Castle, Izumo Grand Shrine, or Inasa Beach. This trip is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth experience without the stress of navigating public transport or finding hidden sites on your own.
The highlight of the trip is visiting Matsue Castle, one of the few remaining original structures from the early 1600s, offering breathtaking views of the city. The guide can also take you to the Izumo Grand Shrine, known as one of Japan’s most important shrines, famous for prayers for love and good fortune. Guests often appreciate how the guide shares detailed stories and local insights, making the experience more meaningful.
This tour is especially suited for those who prefer a flexible itinerary and want to learn more about the cultural significance of the sites they visit. The reviews commend the guide’s knowledge and accommodating nature, adding value to the experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want an engaging, tailor-made tour with expert guidance, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for a more comprehensive day.
4. Matsue Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Number 4 features a half-day private tour perfect for travelers with limited time. For about $105.92 per person, you get a 4-hour guided exploration of Matsue’s top sights, including Matsue Castle and the Samurai Residences nearby. This trip provides an excellent overview without the full-day commitment.
The private guide makes navigating easy, and the tour emphasizes local history and architecture. Visiting Matsue Castle is a must; you can climb to the top for views of the city, while the samurai residences give insight into the past elite of the town. Reviewers appreciate the efficient use of time and “friendly, knowledgeable guides” that enrich the experience.
This option is best suited for travelers who want a compact, personalized introduction to Matsue’s highlights. The value comes from skipping the crowds and enjoying exclusive access with expert commentary.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, in-depth look at the most important sites, especially if your schedule is tight but you still want a meaningful experience.
$105.92 per person
5. Ninja Costume Rental
Number 5 is the Ninja Costume Rental, which costs about $39.04 for around three hours. Located at the Kimono rental shop Horikawa Komachi, this experience allows you to choose from a wide range of colors and designs to dress as a ninja or samurai.
What makes this tour fun and different is its focus on interactive dress-up and role-play. As the shop is close to Matsue Castle and historical samurai houses, you can feel just like a ninja exploring the town. The friendly staff help with dressing and styling, making it suitable for children and adults alike. It’s a playful way to add some theatrical fun to your sightseeing.
This experience is perfect if you’re after a lighthearted, photo-friendly activity that lets you feel immersed in Japan’s warrior tradition without needing extensive costume shopping or planning. With no reviews listed, but plenty of positive vibes from past visitors, it’s likely to be a hit for families or cosplay fans.
Bottom Line: An engaging, inexpensive way to add some playful role-playing to your day in Matsue, especially if you love costumes or want memorable photos.
$39.04 per person
6. Private Romantic Walking Tour In Matsue
Number 6 is a private romantic walking tour designed for couples who want a quiet, intimate experience. For $489.45, up to 15 people can enjoy this 2-hour tour exploring Matsue’s most romantic spots, guided by a professional. It’s perfect for celebrating an anniversary or just enjoying a special day together.
The tour visits Matsue’s most charming locations, with the guide sharing stories of local legends and love stories. Visitors can expect a peaceful, charming atmosphere, ideal for making lovely photos and sharing quiet moments. The activity is entirely private, so it suits those seeking a personalized, crowd-free experience.
Since there are no reviews, it’s important to note that this tour offers exclusivity and tailored storytelling, making it suitable for travelers who crave a private, unforgettable experience in the city.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups seeking a romantic escape with personal guidance and scenic settings.
$489.45 per group (up to 15)
7. The Best of Matsue Private Walking Tour
Finally, number 7 offers a private 2-hour walking tour that covers Matsue’s highlights. For around $487.65 per group, this tour visits the city’s core, including the castle and other cultural sites, guided by a professional.
This tour emphasizes storytelling and local legends, giving visitors a richer understanding of why Matsue is called the “City of Water.” The guide can point out fascinating anecdotes about historic figures and legends tied to the city. It’s a compact, well-organized way to see the main attractions with a knowledgeable guide.
While there are no reviews, the focus on personalized storytelling and exclusive access makes this a compelling choice for those wanting a more in-depth, narrative-driven visit.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a short but meaningful introduction to Matsue’s most charming spots, with plenty of local lore.
$487.65 per group (up to 15)
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting between these options, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For a fun, relaxed introduction to Matsue, the Kimono Experience or boat tour are affordable and memorable. If you want a deep dive into history, the full-day private trip or half-day guided tour offer tailored experiences with expert guides. Families or groups seeking playful activities may enjoy the Ninja Costume Rental, while couples looking for something special and intimate might prefer the romantic walking tour.
Think about whether you want to explore independently with costumes and water rides or prefer a guided, customized trip that covers multiple sites. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slots and ensure a smooth experience.
Matsue offers a range of tours—from immersive cultural dressing experiences to private guided explorations—that suit different interests and schedules. Whether you’re after a quick overview or a full day of discovery, this list has something to help you make the most of your visit. For a truly memorable trip, consider combining a few options, like a kimono experience plus a boat ride or private guide, to get a well-rounded glimpse of this charming town. Be sure to book early to avoid missing out, and enjoy your time exploring Matsue’s timeless streets and waterways.